Entertainment industries all around the globe often benefit from producing content that does not live up to the expectations of the critics but manages to grab the attention of the viewers. The Pakistani drama industry has definitely taken inspiration from this trend. We have seen producers ‘playing it safe’ more than experimenting because it is an easier route that also guarantees viewership from a certain group of the public. Very often, the producers use a certain set of formulas to attract viewers’ attention which guarantees viewership but does not get appreciation from the critics or those viewers who value substance more than entertainment.
Right now, there are a few dramas which have taken social media by storm and their views on YouTube have broken previous records. Even though these dramas are the most viewed at the moment, they lack substance altogether. Drama serial Tere Bin which airs on Geo and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha which airs on ARY Digital
Here is a comparison of both the dramas to show that both of these dramas might have garnered the ratings but they fall short completely when it comes to providing quality content.
The Storylines
Both Tere Bin and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha are based on similar stories. Forced marriages, one-sided love, love triangles, misunderstandings, and family politics sum up the content of both these dramas. The plot of these dramas is neither new nor refreshing in any manner. The viewers have watched such stories on their screens to the extent that it is difficult to find a new angle unless the writer chooses to work really hard on the characterizations. Tere Bin’s main leads were better etched out in the first half of the drama; the writer is losing her grasp on the characterizations with every passing episode. Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, on the other hand, does not have a single leading character that can be termed impressive or progressive in any way. The scripts of both these dramas are full of loopholes, so much so that only die-hard fans can turn a blind eye; every other viewer is left questioning the sanity of the writers after watching each episode. It would be safe to say that in both these dramas all the major twists and turns in the plot have been half-baked and illogical for the most part.
The Execution
Sometimes a simple script can be elevated because of the way it is executed. Performances and the way a drama is directed make a big difference. While in Tere Bin some of the leading performances have been on point, the same cannot be said about Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. Even a well-established actress such as Hania Aamir is seen struggling in so many scenes. While Wahaj Ali’s performance in Tere Bin is convincing, he fails to make an impact in Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. Zaviyar Nauman is a complete misfit for the character he is playing in Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. His performance in the drama has been a case of a hit and a miss.
Both these dramas depend a great deal on the visuals. However, Tere Bin definitely takes the lead when it comes to showing made-up characters and resorting to ‘star-plus’ like makeovers in order to ‘attract’ the audience has been the main theme of the visual presentation of the drama. The over-dramatic treatment given to Tere Bin’s script is off-putting as well. On the other hand, some of the most impactful scenes in Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha completely lost their significance because of the way they were executed. Therefore, as far as the execution is concerned, both these dramas fall short.
The Marketing Strategies
The producers and channels nowadays understand the significance of promoting dramas on different platforms. Social media is used as a key medium for marketing purposes. Another way to make the public interested is adding controversial aspects to a script that attract attention for all the wrong reasons but they do make these dramas the talk of the town. Tere Bin’s producers relied heavily on social media for promotions and marketing. Interestingly enough, the lead actors did not promote the drama as much as the producers did. They also clearly paid other popular social media portals for promoting the drama. Abdullah Kadwani definitely takes the lead when it comes to investing money in marketing his dramas. Also, lately, the makers have unfortunately been banking on controversial twists and turns in the story to get attention.
Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’s OST was used to get public attention more than its cast in the beginning. The song ‘Kahani Suno’ had gained so much popularity by the time this drama went on air that most people tuned into this drama solely because of the OST. Hania Aamir and Zaviyar Nauman’s fresh pairing was also one of the marketing strategies used by the producers. Later on, the carefully put-together promos of the drama based on public feedback were intelligently used by makers to attract the public. However, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’s producers clearly have not tried as hard to promote their dramas as Tere Bin’s producers.
Public Feedback
The feedback from the public regarding both these dramas has been loud and clear right from the start. Since these are two of the most watched dramas right now, these dramas are being discussed on all the public forums. Even those viewers who are not actively watching these dramas are well acquainted with them. Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’s weak storyline was criticized by the public right from the start. Early on, the viewers realized that the drama lacked quality and many of the viewers think that the only good thing about the drama is its OST. However, people continue to watch the drama more because of Saad than any other character. Every week, the absurdities in the drama are the topic of discussion more than anything else.
The public feedback with regard to Tere Bin definitely outweighs any other. This drama has been praised, analyzed, mocked, and discussed more than Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. The interest of the viewers has increased with every passing episode and the controversy has clearly given rise to a bigger uproar than anything else ever did before. Murtasim, even with all his flaws, has a fanbase like no other! This drama is just as popular across the border as it is in Pakistan, the reason for which is perhaps obvious.
The Verdict
Tere Bin and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’s popularity goes to show that there are still a lot of viewers out there who are more than willing to watch dramas that lack substance. Unfortunately, the producers will continue making such dramas until they keep on getting so much attention. There is no denying the fact that controversy sells and Tere Bin’s makers have left no stone unturned to ensure that they use every possible selling tactic. Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’s success remains a mystery but goes to show that once viewers get hooked on a drama, they will stay loyal till the end.
We just hope that the success of these dramas does not mark the end of dramas with substance that many of us actually want to watch on television.
